Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Quality
Core
Lead integrated sourcing and supplier quality function for a growing defense drone supply base, owning category strategy, supplier relationships, qualification, and performance.
Role type
Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Quality
Builds
High-performance supplier base supporting drone system production and delivery
Domain
Defense technology / Unmanned systems / High-reliability manufacturing
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work -> infrastructure (supply chain operations)
Required skills
Category strategy development, supplier relationship management, supplier qualification, supplier audits, corrective action management, supplier scorecards, risk mitigation, dual-sourcing planning, commercial negotiations, team leadership, manufacturing operations knowledge, supply continuity planning
Preferred skills
Aerospace/defense/robotics experience, PCBA/mechanical/electromechanical supplier experience, scaling processes in startups, ASL/first article inspection/APQP/PPAP knowledge, ISO/AS9100 familiarity, international supplier management
Technologies
ASL, APQP, PPAP, ISO/AS9100, Lean, Six Sigma
Responsibilities
Lead category strategy and long-term supply plans; Build and manage supplier relationships for quality and delivery; Lead and mentor supplier quality engineering teams; Own supplier scorecards, KPIs, and performance improvement initiatives; Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance; Champion risk mitigation through dual-sourcing and continuity planning
Seniority
Manager, hands-on leadership